Volunteer in Bali
Teaching, Turtle & Construction Programs
1-8 weeks | Join from only €525
Abroad Escape operates three structured volunteer programs in Bali: teaching and childcare in Ubud, construction and renovation in Ubud, and sea turtle conservation on Nusa Penida. Programs run from one to eight weeks, start every Monday, and begin from €525 — including accommodation, meals, airport pickup, and a local coordinator from day one. No prior experience is required for any Bali program. What you need is a commitment to showing up and doing the work.
Quick facts
- From €525 per week
- 1–8 weeks
- Every Monday start
- Ubud + Nusa Penida
- 3 program types
- 24/7 local support
Choose the program that matches what you want to do. All three run under the same structure: local coordinator, included accommodation and meals, weekly start dates, and 24/7 support.
Volunteer Teaching (Ubud)
Work with children aged 4 to 18 in kindergartens and primary schools in and around Ubud. You assist local teachers with English language activities, classroom support, and creative learning. No teaching qualification is required. Morning work, afternoon preparation, weekends free.
Duration: 1–8 weeks · Location: Ubud · From €525
Construction & Renovation (Ubud)
Work alongside local builders repairing and improving schools, playgrounds, and community spaces in villages around Ubud. Tasks include painting, basic bricklaying, carpentry, and general maintenance. Physical outdoor work — no prior construction experience required. Monday to Friday schedule.
Duration: 1–8 weeks · Location: Ubud · From €525
Turtle Conservation (Nusa Penida)
Work at a dedicated turtle sanctuary on Nusa Penida caring for rescued and injured sea turtles. Daily tasks include feeding hatchlings, cleaning tanks, monitoring turtle health, and assisting with beach releases. The project also runs community education outreach. Based on the island with accommodation included.
Duration: 1–8 weeks · Location: Nusa Penida · From €525
Where You Will Be Based
Ubud — teaching and construction programs
Ubud is the cultural hub of Bali and the base for both the teaching and construction programs. It is a town with a strong community atmosphere, easy access to local markets and temples, and good weekend transport to other parts of the island. Volunteer accommodation is shared with other program participants, which creates a social environment from the start. Most teaching and construction placements are in Ubud itself and the surrounding villages — a short journey from your accommodation.
Nusa Penida — turtle conservation program
Nusa Penida is an island approximately 45 minutes by fast boat from the Bali coast. It is not a typical tourist destination — it is quieter, more rural, and focused almost entirely on its natural environment and conservation work. The turtle conservation program is based here. Living and working on Nusa Penida means fewer distractions and a more immersive experience with the project. Accommodation is provided on the island, included in the program fee.
“During my introduction week in Bali, I was fully immersed in the local culture. The coordinator gave detailed guidance on the area and recommended places to explore, which made settling in easy. The accommodation was comfortable, and the food was freshly prepared by local staff every day. The support went far beyond what I expected.”
- Victoria, Volunteer in Bali
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Volunteer Teaching (Ubud)
Work with children aged 4–12 in kindergartens or schools. Focus on conversational English, creative learning, and classroom support.
This is ideal for first-time volunteers looking to make a direct impact while building confidence in a structured environment.
Construction & Renovation (Ubud)
Work alongside local people to repair schools, playgrounds, and community spaces making a real impact.
Perfect for volunteers who want to work outdoors and contribute physically to community development.
Turtle Conservation (Nusa Penida)
Help endangered sea turtles through conservation efforts, including feeding, and turtle beach releases.
You’ll support real conservation efforts while living on a wonderful island focused entirely on protecting Bali’s marine life.
Start with the Bali Culture Week
Most volunteers who join for the first time start with the Culture Week. This is a dedicated five-day introduction to Balinese life that runs before your main program placement begins.
The week is not tourism. It is structured orientation — language basics, temple etiquette, daily customs, and an introduction to the community you will be working in. The Culture Week runs Monday to Friday and includes guided visits to key cultural sites, cooking and craft sessions, and direct time with local residents.
Volunteers who complete the Culture Week consistently report faster adjustment to the project, stronger relationships with local coordinators and community members, and a better overall experience from week one of their placement.
It is strongly recommended for first-time visitors to Bali and first-time international volunteers. It is optional but worth it.
Culture Week daily schedule:
Monday: Introduction to Balinese traditions, walking tour of Ubud market,
traditional dance performance
Tuesday: Balinese language class, village walking tour,
rice terrace and art village visit
Wednesday: Batik painting class — create and keep your own piece
Thursday: Traditional cooking class, flower offering workshop
Friday: Spiritual tour of Pura Tirta Empul temple, holy water blessing
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What Every Bali Program Includes
Display as a clean list:
✓ Airport pickup on arrival day (Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar)
✓ Shared accommodation — Sunday night before start date to end of final week
✓ Two to three meals per day on weekdays
✓ Local coordinator — present throughout your placement
✓ Orientation on your first Monday
✓ 24/7 emergency support
✓ Pre-departure handbook and visa guidance
✓ Direct contribution to the project site
Not included: return flights, travel insurance, personal spending money,
weekend meals, visa fees
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering in Bali
How much does it cost to volunteer in Bali?
Programs start from €525 for one week. This covers accommodation, meals, airport pickup, local coordination, 24/7 emergency support, and a direct contribution to the project. There are no separate registration or administration fees. Flights, travel insurance, and personal spending are not included.
Do I need experience to volunteer in Bali?
No prior experience is required for teaching, construction, or turtle conservation programs. For teaching, a positive attitude and willingness to engage with children is sufficient. For construction, the ability to work physically outdoors is the main requirement. For turtle conservation, a commitment to animal welfare and outdoor work is all that is needed.
How long can I volunteer in Bali?
Programs run from one to eight weeks. A new intake begins every Monday year-round. Longer stays offer a deeper involvement with the project and stronger community relationships — most returning volunteers extend their original duration once they are on the ground.
Where will I stay while volunteering in Bali?
Ubud program volunteers are housed in shared volunteer accommodation in or near Ubud. Nusa Penida turtle conservation volunteers are housed on the island itself. Accommodation is provided from Sunday night before your start date through to the end of your final week. Rooms are shared with other volunteers.
Is it safe to volunteer in Bali?
Yes. All programs include airport pickup, structured accommodation, a local coordinator available throughout your stay, and 24/7 emergency support. Every placement location is assessed before volunteers are placed there. Bali is one of Abroad Escape's most established and well-supported destinations.
Is the Culture Week mandatory?
No. The Culture Week is optional but strongly recommended, particularly for first-time visitors to Bali and first-time international volunteers. Volunteers who complete it consistently report a better experience from the start of their placement. It runs the week before your main program and is treated as a separate week in your overall duration.
Can I combine programs or locations?
Yes. You can combine the Ubud programs (teaching and construction) or move between Ubud and Nusa Penida across your stay. Multi-program placements are coordinated by the local team and require advance planning. Contact us before applying to discuss the best combination for your timeline.